Concept Art - Woodward Memories

Classic Car Show

Saturday August 3rd., 2019

10 am to 2 pm

About Us

THE ROYAL OAK HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S HISTORY

Founded in 1939, the Royal Oak Historical Society is a private, non-governmental organization of volunteers. We collect, display and preserve information and objects of Royal Oak’s past for current and future generations. Throughout the year we present various special exhibits and provide a venue for other groups and individuals to display their collections.

The society was organized in 1939 by nine women and one man, according to information compiled by local historian Owen Perkins, for his book, "Royal Oak, Michigan, The Early Years," published in 1971.

The founders were civic activists, representing such organizations as the Library; Ezra Parker Chapter of the Daughter of the American Revolution; Chamber of Commerce; American Association of University Women; Royal Oak Woman's Club; and the Royal Oak Memorial Society. Members of most of those same organizations remain active in the society

HOW THE MUSEUM BEGAN

The Royal Oak Historical Society Museum came to be in March 2004, when five women each contributed $1000 to purchase the collection of Bill Rasmussen. The women were Agnes Buhalski, Pat Eaves, Bonnie Linehan, Blanche Myerhoven Roth, and Muriel Versagi.

SERVING THE PUBLIC

Our annual Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast at the Farmers Market, Car Show, and Woodward Memories exhibits along with WWII, Viet Nam, Korea, and Civil war exhibits also help keep Royal Oak's history alive.

Donate Now

To donate to our current operating fund click on the donate button below.

The Royal Oak Historical Society Museum is a 501(c)3 non profit organizationrun by volunteers and funded solely by donations.

Help Honor A Royal Oak Icon

The Royal Oak Historical Society is starting a campaign to raise funds for a permanent fixed tribute to legendary Royal Oak Judge Keith J. Leenhouts at the 44th District Court, with a formal renaming of the probation department and a mounted wall display telling of the incredible story of Judge Leenhouts and his Volunteers in Probation program.

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

$2500 – PRESENTING SPONSOR
Title recognition on the permanent plaque that will be part of the Judge Leenhouts Wall display. Invitation to private meet and greet with Leenhouts family at the dedication ceremony.

$1000 – VOLUNTEER
Recognition on the permanent plaque.
Invitation to private meet and greet with Leenhouts family at the dedication ceremony.

$500 – MENTOR
Recognition on the permanent plaque.
Invitation to private meet and greet with the Leenhouts family at the dedication ceremony.

$250 – FRIEND
Recognition in the program at the dedication ceremony.
Invitation to private meet and greet with the Leenhouts family at the dedication ceremony.

ALL OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS LEVELS
Recognition in the program at the dedication
ceremony

Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan

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Find out more ways to help!

The Historical Museum is always looking for
photos of Royal Oak, from the 1800's to the
1980's, to add to our archives. We are seeking
views of businesses, historic homes,
prominent people, and public buildings,
in Royal Oak and along historic
Woodward Ave.

If you have any photos to share with us
or you would like to submit a column about
Royal Oak history, or growing up in Royal Oak please contact us.